The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-05-19


the reins. The stranger sprang into the
carriage and seated himself beside her.
"What does all this mean2" said he,
in a deep voice. "What right have you
with my carriage2"
doctor Darlingw she gasped.
"Ycs, Doctor Darling!" SAID he, stern
ly.
W-I thought you were in at Mr..
Falkner's," faltered Conny. 81 wanted
a drive, and-"
"And you shall have onc," said the
doctor, composedly. 81 walked across
to sec Mrs. Hadley at the Four Corners,
and returned, as it seems, just in time
to save my horse and carriagew
Conny did not say word. She could
not think of any excuse to make.
"Where are you goingT' she ventured
to ask, in a whisper. ...
"To Judge Whelpley's. To have you
committed for trial!'
- Sospeo Cohhy'
'For horse-stealing," succinctly added
Doctor Darling.
Conny uttered a shrek.
"What will they do to mc?" she stam-
mered, holding desperately on 10 the
side OF the carriage.
II don't quite know whether it is a
hundred dollars fine or six months in the
pcnitentiary, Doctor Darling gravely an
swered.
Conny began to cry.
"But l was only in fun" she sobbed.
II never meant-how should I7-to steal
the horse"
'It has an awkward look, neverthe-
less, Miss Boxwood. But of course if
you can make Judge Whepley bcliePe all
this"
Poor Conny was thoroughly subdued
at last. With piteous abjectness she
sued for pardon.
"Please-pleasc, Doctor Darling" she
urged, "lorgive me! never could pay
hundred dollars; and as for six months in
the penitentiary, I'd rather take poison"
Just at this moment they drove out of
the dense woods into the broad road,
family lighted by the deepening silver
of the young moon; and Conny, timidly
glancing up into her companions face,
saw an amused expression around the
corners of his mouth. ..-
"But you don't really meanit2" said
she.'
"How do you know that I don't mean
ita" demanded Doctor Darling. 81 do
mean it! l mean that you are my cap
tive. And that you can only ransomc
yourself in one way, else the penitentiary
and the fine shall be enforced to their
uttcrmost severity"
'In what way9" asked bewildered
Conny. "Oh, Doctor Darling, I'll prom
Use anything"
He let the reins fall limp over the
dashboard. Old Dick walked slowly
along at his own rate of speed, while
Doctor Darling turned around to look
his companion full in the face.
Dear little Colny, by trifing with
me no fartherl By owning yourself to
be mine, heart and soul! By giving
yourself to me!'
'But, Doctor Darling, you never could
care for silly girl like mel" faltercd
Conny, scarce able to believe her own
senses, yet conscious of some sudden,
vague brightness irritating all her soul.
"Could l not, my pearl among maid
ensl But can and l do!' said he.
And then and there Conny and Doctor
Darling became engaged.
''Then," said Conny, as they drew up
before Aunt Boxwood's door, "youTeally
didn't mean it about Judge Whelpley
and the penitentiary9"
'Did you think l was actually in
earnest" he laughed.
Conny was silent. She had played SC
many wild, practical jokes upon people
that this really seemed to her only q
righteous retribution. But she made
Doctor Darling promise her that he
would not mention the horse stealing
episode before Mrs. Boxwood.
For" said Conny ssshe would b.
sure to say, 'Cornelia Ann, am aston
shed at you. - Helen Forrest Graves.
An act to amend--sewing On a. but